Both the thickness and the nature of ice areAn ice layer usually becomes thinner over cur-important in determining its carrying capacity.rent, near banks of streams or lakes, over warmBecause part of the supporting power of icesprings, and over swampy ground. Rotten ice thatis derived from the water below it, a layer of icecan be identified by its dull color and honeycombthat is in contact with the water surface is safertexture has little supporting power.than one that has no contact with the watersurface.WORK SAFELYSTRESS SAFETY14-47